Author: Laura Crowley

A Seat at the Vagina Party

Morgan Slade

The “Vagina Monologues” attracted a large crowd of both students and faculty to the Harvey M. Powers Theatre this past weekend. The monologues, written by Tony Award winning playwright Eve Ensler covered a variety of topics relating to … well, the vagina!

There was a humorous rant about pubic hair, an account of a girl in search of her sexuality (appropriately named “The Little Coochi Snorcher That Could”) and even a lengthy re-enactment and description of the different varieties of female orgasms, noises and all. While many of these monologues elicited large roars of laughter from the audience, the performance also touched on many topics more difficult to swallow.

The discussion of rape, incest and genital mutilation provided a stark contrast to the more light-hearted accounts, prompting the audience to think about how an organ so associated with pleasure can be linked to such grotesque and violent acts.

It is this contrast that links the “Vagina Monologues” to the greater movement of V-Day, whose mission is to “promote … creative events to increase awareness, raise funds and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations.” The actresses within the University production of the “Vagina Monologues” are among thousands of women around the world who dedicated their time and effort to this international cause.

As an audience member at this public performance, I couldn’t help but relate what I saw on stage to the artwork of Judy Chicago. Chicago, a pioneer of the feminist movement of the 1970s, is most known for her installation “The Dinner Party.”

On permanent display at the Brooklyn Museum in Brooklyn, N.Y., this work is a large, triangular table measuring 48 feet on each leg. Spanning the perimeter is a series of 39 place settings, each commemorating a different woman in history. Also included in this installation is the presence of an additional 999 names of important female figures along the floor.

The message behind this piece involves the importance of providing women a “seat at the table.” In other words, Chicago creates this exaggerated representation of a dinner scene in order to provide women a place in the history of the arts. In a way, the “Vagina Monologues” serves a similar purpose but is adapted to the more modern feminist discourse of sexuality.

Bringing these taboo subjects onto the stage, screaming the words “vagina” and “cunt” and drawing attention to the violent acts against women is comparable to the work of Judy Chicago. The actresses who had the courage to act out and discuss these sometimes embarrassing and difficult subjects are, in effect, making a place for these victims at the dinner party.

Director Kathryn Bigelow’s “Zero Dark Thirty,” a follow-up to her 2009 Best Picture, “The Hurt Locker,” is a dramatic retelling of the recent manhunt for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Bigelow once again collaborated with Mark Boal, a former field journalist who also wrote “The Hurt Locker,” and though the stories are quite different, the pair have a very strong combined signature which permeates both finished works.

The film opens with a blank screen over which we hear the familiar, frantic 9/11 telephone calls from the World Trade Center. This scene starts the movie on a nationally emotional note and sets the tone for the remainder of the film.

Two years later, a young CIA agent named Maya (Jessica Chastain) arrives in Pakistan to join its US embassy team. She is initiated by an older agent (Jason Clarke) into the torture methods utilized to make detainees talk. Though apparently unsettled at first, Maya quickly proves that her youth and sex will not be a deterrent in her ruthless search for bin Laden. Following a series of seemingly irrelevant and unconnected clues, Maya begins to puzzle out bin Laden’s location, despite constant dismissal from superiors and co-workers, passing years and deaths of friends. Nothing interferes with her goal, as the audience ultimately knows it won’t. I mean, we all remember that bin Laden’s dead, so this movie must get around to killing him at some point, right?

Eventually, it does. The actual operation is shot in the green glow of night-vision. The Navy Seals doing the job are not as young or fit as we would expect, but once in action, they’re nothing if not effective. Maya awaits their return to base, where she has the honor of identifying bin Laden’s remains.

“Zero Dark Thirty” has the overall vibe of a semi-documentary which is interesting because the Obama administration denies use of information gleaned from torture as a method of locating bin Laden, but that anxiety runs deep through the beginning of the film. It’s a film without a lot of dialogue, but there are tense stretches that weigh just as heavily as Boal’s actual words.

Most significantly though, this movie does not work without Chastain, or an actress of equal caliber, in the role of Maya. The Oscar buzz around her in the role has been unrelenting and well-deserved. She is the action of the film and her nuanced and compelling performance carries the rest, including many of the already strong supporting cast. Unlike “The Hurt Locker,” “Zero Dark Thirty” does not have a short time frame to work within; it stretches the course of 11 years. That movie also had a much more relatable leading man, the hardened veteran/adrenaline junkie portrayed by Jeremy Renner. Maya is a character much more alien, an obsessed woman without any semblance of a personal life. As the film goes on and the people she knows either leave for better things or die, that obsession only grows.

Student reception, like that of popular and critical audiences, has been largely positive.

“[It’s] a unique film about an event that captured the national imagination. I don’t think it rivals ‘The Hurt Locker’ for epitome of Iraq war movies, however, it does a lot to humanize and immortalize the history of the event,” Kate Wilsterman ’14 said.

“[The film is] a suspenseful movie that left me thinking for days afterwards, a sign of a good movie. It was particularly tense knowing that this movie was a depiction of real events. I would recommend ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ to everyone,” Emily Conners ’14 said.

Ben Rees

Picnic of the World

The sun shines as the wind weaves its way around wicker baskets gorged with a myriad of deli meats; it must be the first picnic of summertime. That time of year where every nation can grace a gingham blanket with its unique presence, and people from all walks of life gather ’round to swat at thieving ants. This picnic of the world, however, varies somewhat from the song. Each country, after a long year of recorder squeaking, has only one week left of the fifth grade, and this culminating experience is getting a little rowdy. Maybe we should take a closer look through the eyes of Ms. UN, the teacher who is always totally and completely in control. From this point on, all description (translated into six different languages) will be hers.

Thank goodness China has finally come out of his shell. He was so reserved and introverted for the longest time. Something about a forbidden city … oh well, its nice to know that he is finally making friends. Although, I think he may have developed a rather premature cigarette habit; there’s so much smog around his head.

Oh, America, the chubbiest one of the bunch. What! Stop that America! Please refrain from forcing Hard Rock Cafes upon everyone at the party. There is nothing logical about the Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok! And please, Sam, please stop throwing your trash all about! Didn’t you do your monthly presentation on how clean you are?

Now, I can’t for the life of me get control of Egypt. He keeps throwing up and then eating again. It seems as if every time he purges himself in the name of expelling his sickness, all he does is fall back into the same routine and eat again! I just don’t understand it. Ever since Tunisia lit the classroom on fire two Januarys ago, Egypt has become quite volatile.

This picnic is simply madness! I thought I told these children to get along. Being their teacher is no cakewalk. I had to send France home for throwing her 58 Welch’s Grape Juice on Italy’s finely knit ascot.

At least our major bullying problem has ended. For the longest time Russia wouldn’t leave Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia and Stan alone. He finally had a breakdown and let them all be, but it was quite a lot to mediate for yours truly.

Wait, Iran! Didn’t I tell you no fireworks?! This is not an occasion for those! I understand you don’t want to share your chocolate milk (this is an oil joke) but please, let’s try and work something out.

Why can’t you all be more like Germany? She’s so polite and listens to all the rules. Her über kindness and fiscal responsibility bodes fantastically for the rest of her clique. I wish more people could be like–what, what are you … get your foot off Greece’s neck! I don’t care if you think he is stealing from you!

The best student in the class has to be Britain. She always brings me tea, but I cannot go anywhere near her during this picnic. Watching her eat corn on the cob with those faded, picket fence-like teeth is truly repulsive. Demerits for her!

All in all, today has been a good day. I mediated the usual conflicts and the food was delicious, although America ran off with all of the cheese-sticks. Who would have thought that my role as world moderator could be so easy?

Trend Report: A Sneak Peak at This Spring’s Shoes

By Kate Jansen

This spring’s shoe styles are edgy to say the least. Check out this list of this season’s must-have shoes:

Black and white: Contrast colors have already been a highlight of many designers’ spring look books. White and black patterns, prints and textures on shoes can make a bold statement. Ease into spring by pairing black and white shoes with bright pants and a flowy blouse.

Loafer with a twist: Last fall’s loafer obsession has not burned out just yet. This spring, designers are coming out with fun, preppy loafers in a variety of patterns and colors. I absolutely love Piperlime’s selection of loafers. J. Crew also has their Darby Leather Loafer collection that features a variety of neon hues.

The ankle strap: This look has made its way into the design of pumps, flats and sandals. What I love most about the ankle strap look is that it can be dressed up or down. Paired with light-washed skinny ankle jeans and a loose-fitting top can add a chic dimension to an everyday outfit. For a more formal look, pair these shoes with a sundress or flowy skirt.

Fashion sneakers: This spring’s fashion sneakers feature lots of metallic, studs and–dare I say–Velcro. Flipping through fashion blogs and retail websites reminds me a little of middle school. This spring’s latest trend has put a spotlight on high-top, high-heeled sneakers. Personally, I think that the most unique designs are from Superga, Ash and DKNY.

Amanda Ayers

Granada: Past, Present and Future

Having experienced so much already, it’s unbelievable to me that I’ve only been here one month! Buenos días de Granada is a city as rich and flavorful in heritage as the tapas its inhabitants prepare. As one of 18 University students in the Bucknell en España program, I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity to travel the world, as well as the chance to delve a bit into my experience thus far.

I am living the life of a Granada University student, studying at the Centro de Lenguas Modernas (part of the Universidad de Granada) and immersing myself in the Spanish culture primarily through a host-family living arrangement. I live with a señora and her daughter, a professional flamenco dancer. In my opinion, this is the ideal setup; we have complete freedom but are absorbed in the Spanish lifestyle to a degree unattainable had we chosen to live with other American students. We eat authentic food on the Spanish schedule (lunch at 3 p.m., dinner at 9:30 or 10 p.m.), constantly converse in Spanish with locals (learning a lot of colloquialisms not taught in the classroom) and get tips that we otherwise wouldn’t concerning just about every aspect of life here.

Standing on just about any single street corner of Granada, you could glance around and witness the hybrid of Arabic, Jewish, Gypsy, modern and Christian cultures here. Granada was the last Spanish city occupied by the Moors until the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella (“Los Reyes Católicos”), united the country and reconquered the city in 1492 (“La Reconquista”). For this reason, it is brimming with Arabic influence–the Alhambra, the Albaicín (market), téterias (tea shops), hookah bars, Arab baths, kebab stands and more–while simultaneously housing some of the most prominent Catholic cathedrals and churches. There are also numerous churches that were formerly mosques, or churches that were commissioned and built by Moors in the Arabic architectural style. Even the Alhambra, originally the palace and fortress of the Moorish rulers, was later occupied and expanded upon by Catholic Spanish kings.

Places are like people; it’s only until you consider what they have done and seen in the past that you can fully appreciate or understand them in their present form. Granada is no exception. Following the Reconquista, the Moors and Jews were either expelled or forced to convert to Christianity as part of the Catholic Monarchs’ effort to homogenize the country they had just unified. I learned the other day that the reason pork is revered so much in Spain is because eating it was a way to prove that you were a “good” Catholic during this time. Otherwise, it was known that you were keeping kosher and therefore not Christian. I am constantly fascinated by tidbits like this from the past that help to explain my experience in the present.

Another fact exemplary of this is that many Spanish words that we use today are derived from Arabic. A number of those that begin with “al”, like alfombra meaning rug and almohada meaning pillow, are Arabic in root and no doubt from the days of Moorish rule over Al Andalus, or what is now known as the region of Andalucia. The word “tapas” comes from the verb “tapar,” meaning “to cover.” In their early days, these small but savory portions of food were literally used to cover wine, protecting it from insects and the elements. It is one thing indulge in them every weekend; it’s another to understand and appreciate how they came to be.

I mentioned to my mom a couple of days ago that I feel as though every minute I spend here is worthwhile. We read an article in class that discussed the ability of travel to keep one’s senses perpetually heightened, and I couldn’t agree more. Everyday, I feel myself moving farther and farther away from simply articulating the necessary, and closer to fluid conversation. Everyday, I gain a broader global perspective and unique appreciation for what I have left behind at home. With every wrong turn, verb and bite, I am constantly learning and growing. Lacking a native’s instincts in every new place that I go, I am always on my toes and conscious of my every move and utterance–and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Laura Crowley

Lecture: Living with Lynching

In Koritha Mitchell’s lecture, “Living with Lynching,” she discussed the societal impact lynching had from 1890 to 1930. While looking at the photos was painful, Mitchell urged us to move past the individual victim, reminding us that his suffering was over. What lynching created was not just mourning but also a cycle of fear, a generational gap and economic challenges.

Mitchell, an associate professor of English at Ohio State University, is an award winning aurthor who specializes in African-American literature and racial violence in American literature.

A key characteristic of lynching photographs is the solidarity of the victim contrasted with the comradery among the crowd of perpetrators. Mitchell told to us that lynching photographs were specifically constructed in this manner so as to portray the victim as an “isolated brute without loved ones,” said Mitchell. 

The perpetrators were proud of their actions and often used the photographs as postcards. This act was considered a theatrical production that ensured white supremacy. Perpetrators specifically targeted the happiest and most successful blacks to “put them in their place,” said Mitchell. The practice was unpopular during the height of slavery, as it was unnecessary as long as whites felt they were in power.

After describing the history and practices of the crime, Mitchell refocused her talk on what really hurt: the lasting affects lynching had on families. Lynching had the enormous capacity of degeneration, which refers to the creation of a generational gap within a family. The practice also encouraged blacks to be either a pimp or a coward, as such behavior guaranteed that they didn’t pose a threat. The cycle of fear that lynching created made it virtually impossible for blacks to break out of a system of oppression.

Mitchell believes that the best way to memorialize victims is lynching plays. Rather than a brief photo that stirs sharp, yet rather fleeting pain in us, lynching plays shift the focus from the moment of the crime and refocus it on what really matters: the ways in which lynching affected families and communities in the long term.

While it is easy to put lynching to rest as something of the past, a woman brought up a point in the Q&A that led me to think that such wrongdoings exist today in more subtle, yet similarly pervasive ways. This woman addressed the disenfranchisement of certain minority groups from society due to the considerable time they spend in prison. The statistics that show the frequency with which males of minorities are arrested are indeed striking and may suggest that they are disenfranchised due to the time they spend barred from voting.

Laura Crowley

Arts & Life Editor

The Weis Center for the Performing Arts hosted Noche Flamenca on Feb. 1, which featured an hour and a half of traditional Spanish dance. Although flamenco has been popular since the 15th century, its authenticity is often compromised. This performance was a refreshing display of emotion and passion and was well received by a full audience.

For those unfamiliar with flamenco, the dance is a mixture of irregular beat and stepping patterns interjected by sporadic bursts of song. The unpredictability of the dance has its limits as hand contortion, posture and stepping methods are strictly controlled and require years of practice. When consumed with emotion, dancers will slap their knees, let out a “dale” and whip their heads until their hair becomes loose. In contrast with other forms of dance, flamenco was never intended to please or impress, yet it does just that through its rawness.

Flamenco’s intense emotionality is best understood given its historical context. The dance originated in Andalucia, the southern-most region of Spain, at a time when “the Jews were massacred, the Gypsies humiliated and persecuted, and the Arabs exterminated, the Moriscos expelled and the Andalucians generally exploited,” according to historian Feliz Grande. The intensity of the dance is clearly related to the pain experienced during this time.

“The singers and dancers showed us good things about love, sadness and great human feelings,” Hadivys Salcedo, a Columbian native, said.

Noche Flamenca is led by Soledad Barrio and consists of nine members who do justice to the authenticity of the dance in contrast to the many groups that perform today in an effort to please tourists by means of a more predictable performance. 

“It was a powerful performance. I really felt like I was back in Spain for a while,” David Chaves Rodriguez, a native of Andalucia, said.

Noche Flamenca also brings in a modern component as its members are not exclusively from Andalucia, as was the case with the majority of flamenco’s history. 

“The performers were talented and brought a lot of energy to their acts,” Malyse Uwase ’13 said.

Noche Flamenca’s popularity is largely due to the fact that they are one of a kind. Most flamenco groups stay within Spain and expect enthusiasts to come to them. Noche Flamenca makes the effort to travel around the world so that people can get a taste of Spain without having to buy a plane ticket. The group is Spain’s most popular touring group and has traveled around the world.